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Beyond Australia's most optimistic hopes could they have believed they would be leading two-nil in the current historic rivalry following just only six days of cricket.

The hosts were placed under severe pressure by the tourists during the opener at the WACA, before executing an incredible turnaround.

It put them riding a crest of self-belief heading into the Brisbane encounter, where they delivered England a lesson in how to play Test cricket, particularly day-night Test cricket.

Series on the Brink

The contest remains alive, but it's not far from it. If England don't win the third Test, it will get embarrassing.

I gained a close look at England's style throughout the last Ashes series on English soil. For all of the talk regarding this trip being their chance to ultimately secure a series down under, there was considerable doubt among Australian pundits concerning the manner England play.

Would England's batting be suited to the pitches in Australia? Would they attempt big shots and discover methods to lose their wickets? Would they crumble when pressure mounted of the big moments?

At present, every one of the Australians who expressed doubts about England are being proved right.

Mindset and Responsibility

There is a lot I admire about England's attitude. I love it when sportspeople play without fear, because that helps them to extend the boundaries of potential.

But I don't like the idea that external pressure or expectation should be eliminated. Elite performers thrive under pressure, and the best teams hold each other to account.

"Yes, there were the coaches like Bob Simpson and Buchanan, but it was the captain and experienced players who invariably managed the dressing room."

Even when a newcomer, I felt like I was allowed to voice my opinion. Every player assumed ownership of the team.

Then, if a player deviated from the standard, they faced accountable from their teammates. If someone made an error on more than one occasion - which didn't happen very often - they were addressed.

A Winning Formula

Our team contained some huge personalities - none bigger than the great Shane Warne - yet we collectively believed that our actions was for the team and our comrades. Opener Matthew Hayden used to say we united because of the love we had for each other, such was the duration we spent together.

That sense of duty, responsibility and flexibility all came together as we walked on to the field as a team.

Admittedly, these factors are easier while a side secures victories, a scenario England are currently not experiencing at this moment.

Examining the Approach

My worry regarding England was the message of "this is the way we play" yielded a culture deficient in personal responsibility.

It seemed that England had decided conditions had to adapt to their game, rather than the team adjusting their game to the prevailing conditions.

Finally, following the result of the defeat in Brisbane, it appears the penny has dropped.

Both Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum conceded problems exist, and they must take action to address them.

I have no issue with the statements the England leaders said in public at the Gabba. Should the captain and coach have been strong in the media, you can guarantee they have been even stronger in private meetings.

Evolution Required

Will we now see a new version of their aggressive brand? Like I said, I support the aspect of playing fearlessly. If England can incorporate the ingredients of embracing pressure and mutual accountability, then they may still possess to something.

Despite the fact England have faced criticism, Australia merits a huge amount for their performance.

Had England had been told they would play an Australian side without all of their captain Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon, they would have felt delighted with anticipation.

Nevertheless, Australia pulled off a win at the Gabba with each of their other players rising to the occasion.

Australian Standouts

Pacer Mitchell Starc has been absolutely outstanding, supported by Neser, Boland and Brendan Doggett.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey put in a flawless exhibition with the gloves, arguably the finest display of keeping I've ever seen - and I shared a dressing room with Healy and Gilchrist.

Perhaps the biggest discovery for Australia is the change in the batting order.

Prior to the contest, when it appeared there was considerable debate regarding Australia's lineup, I stated there was only really one question about one area - Usman Khawaja's opening partner.

That debate has been settled, just not in the manner anyone predicted.

Settling the Order

Ever since Travis Head volunteered to bat as an opener following Khawaja's injury during the Perth Test, Australia has appeared like a different team. Now, there seems there is a chance for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to establish themselves as the first-wicket duo.

Khawaja might face difficulty to get back in, although Australia coach Andrew McDonald has indicated he might feature in the middle order.

Absences and the Next Challenge

Fitness issues will result in English speedster Mark Wood and Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood will miss the third Test and the remainder of the series.

This represents a great shame for both men. I understand the immense effort it is to bowl fast, the effort involved in coming back from injuries, and how desperate both players were to participate fully in this contest. They will be heartbroken.

The Adelaide Oval will provide a good pitch, offering something for batters and bowlers alike. Australia will certainly reinstate spinner Lyon and it looks like Cummins will return to captain the side.

The Final Word

Australia will remember how England came from 2-0 down to draw the last Ashes. They will know England poses a threat.

This time, they have England by the throat and must not relent just because key players are returning. They cannot becoming overconfident.

An Australia team should always think it is capable of winning each match it contests, therefore this squad should be thinking for a 5-0.

England understands they have no choice to reverse their fortunes in Adelaide. If they don't, then it really could be a 5-0 series defeat.